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1 Kings 1 - 22

Solomon is made king and spares the life of the fraudulent king. This was the first sign of wisdom and grace that he showed. Again the pattern of the younger brother being the line of heritage is followed even during these dark times when God walking with his people.

It says that Solomon loved God and offered sacrifice to him. It could only have been tested through time. Based on that, God granted him a wish. Solomon says he's but a little child and needs wisdom from God. For above all things, the one thing we need in abundance. is an understanding of God's will for our lives in order to find favour in his eyes (Moses said that).

One mistake he made was raised the Levy of all Israel so he built his palace (13 years) and the temple of God (7 years). Unlike the times of exodus where God would give specific instructions, the temple was build to show the spendour of God reflecting the manhours used for the tent of meeting.

Solomon offers prayers up to God and dedicates the temple of God. Addresses the people as to the purpose of the temple and how they should treat it. Being a lampstand where they confess their sins and ask for deliverance.

With his money and power came the lust for women which can be seen today in our society. This was despite him knowing the scriptures and what God detested. 700 wives, 300 mistresses. So God raised up an enemy Hadad.

Ahaijah prophesies to Jeroboam to take 10 tribes of Israel and divide the kingdom into two. Solomon' son came into power after his death. Rehoboam took counsel of foolish younger men and provoked the whole Israel which was the start civil war.

Jeroboam in his wisdom, made places of worship with the very same golden calf during the exile, he also made priests who were not levites and they performed burnt offerings. He was succeeded by his son Nadab. Similar story with Rehoboam, he was succeeded by his son Abijam.

Abijam walked in the sins of his father and yet because of the covenant God made with David, he was willing to persevere and rescue Judah. Abijam was succeeded by Asa. Asa broke the pattern and removed all the idols. He was succeeded by his son Jehoshaphat. The same pattern followed with the rest of the kings. Elijah spoke to the king Ahab of Israel at the time and said it won't rain for 3 years. The first prophet since Moses to perform miracles amongst the people. He even raised a woman's son from the dead. Jesus would do the same in the city next to this one.

The famous story of Elijah and the 400 prohpets of Baal on mount Carmel. For God showed his hand an yet Elijah was just a man "like you and me". God commanded him to anoint Elisha to be prophet after him. Elisha sacrified everything to be with Elijah. Now that's faith!

Ahab gets told that he will surely perish like his forefathers and instead of rebelling humbles himself and God decided to be gracious to him and not punish him during his days. But his descendants will still suffer for what he did.

The word of God shows proof again that it cannot be shut down and God cannot be mocked. This was shown through the prophet Micaiah forelling that's the king's blood will be licked by dogs.

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